Kenmore 253.20211002 Built In Freezer User Guide

Kenmore 253.20211002 Built In Freezer

Product Information

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Sears, Roebuck and Co.
• Model Numbers: 253. or 970.
• Serial Number Location: Upper left wall inside the freezer (upright models) or left exterior wall (chest models)
• Power Supply: Grounding type wall receptacle
• Warranty: Full one-year warranty on freezer

Product Usage Instructions

First Steps

1. Before using the freezer, read all the instructions carefully.
2. Ensure that there are no flammable vapors or liquids in the vicinity of the freezer.
3. Remove any packaging materials or shipping labels from the freezer.
4. Check that all shelves and compartments are properly installed.

Energy Saving Tips
To save energy and optimize freezer performance:

• Avoid opening the freezer door frequently.
• Ensure that the freezer is placed away from direct sunlight and heat sources.
• Maintain a consistent temperature by not overloading the freezer with warm items.
• Keep the freezer well-organized to easily locate items and minimize door opening time.

Setting the Temperature Control
To set the desired temperature:

1. Locate the temperature control dial or button on the freezer.
2. Turn the dial or press the button to adjust the temperature according to your preference.
3. Refer to the user manual for recommended temperature settings based on the type of food stored.

Freezer Optional Features
The freezer may come with optional features. Refer to the use manual for detailed instructions on how to use these features, such as:

• Adjustable shelves
• Temperature alarms
• Fast freeze function

Care and Cleaning
To ensure proper maintenance and cleanliness of the freezer:

1. Unplug the freezer from the power source.
2. Remove all food items from the freezer.
3. Wipe the interior and exterior surfaces of the freezer with a damp cloth and mild detergent.
4. Remove and clean any removable parts, such as shelves and drawers, using warm soapy water.
5. Dry all surfaces thoroughly before plugging the freezer back in and restocking with food.

Power Failure / Freezer Failure
In case of a power failure or freezer malfunction:

1. Keep the freezer door closed to maintain the cold temperature inside.
2. If the power outage is expected to last longer than 24 hours, consider transferring perishable items to another freezer or using dry ice.
3. Refer to the troubleshooting guide in the user manual for specific instructions on how to address common issues.

Sears Service
If you require assistance or service for your freezer, contact Sears customer service or refer to the contact information provided in the user manual.
Sears Canada Customers
For Sears Canada customers, specific instructions and contact information are available in the user manual.

FAQ

1. Q: Can I use an extension cord with the freezer?
   A: No, it is not recommended to use an extension cord with the freezer. It is advised to directly plug the freezer into a grounding type wall receptacle.

2. Q: What should I do with my old refrigerator/freezer?
   A: To prevent accidents, follow these instructions when disposing of your old refrigerator/freezer:

   • Remove all doors or secure them in place to prevent child entrapment.
   • Ensure that the refrigerator/freezer is not accessible to children.
   • Refer to local regulations for proper disposal methods.

3. Q: What does the warranty cover?
   A: The warranty covers any defects in material or workmanship for one year from the date of purchase. Sears will repair the freezer free of charge if it is found to be defective within this period.

SERIAL/ MODEL NUMBERS

READ AND SAVE THESE INSTRUCTIONS

This Owner’s Guide provides specific operating instructions for your model. Use your freezer only as instructed in this guide. These instructions are not meant to cover every possible condition and situation that may occur. Common sense and caution must be practiced when installing, operating, and maintaining any appliance.

Record Your Model and Serial Numbers
Record the model and serial numbers in the space provided below. The serial plates are located either on the upper left wall inside the freezer (upright models), or the left exterior wall (chest models).

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

READ ALL INSTRUCTIONS BEFORE USING THIS FREEZER

• WARNING
  • FOR YOUR SAFETY
    Do not store or use gasoline, or other flammable vapors and liquids in the vicinity of this or any other appliance. Read product labels for flammability and other warnings.

WARNING

• CHILD SAFETY
  • Destroy carton, plastic bags, and any exterior wrapping material immediately after the freezer is unpacked.
  • Children should never use these items to play. Cartons covered with rugs, bedspreads, plastic sheets or stretch wrap may become airtight chambers, and can quickly cause suffocation.
  • Remove all staples from the carton. Staples can cause severe cuts, and destroy finishes if they come in contact with other appliances or furniture.
  • An empty, discarded ice box, refrigerator, or freezer is a very dangerous attraction to children.
  • Remove and discard any spacers used to secure the shelves during shipping. Small objects are a choke hazard to children.

Remove the door(s) of any appliance that is not in use, even if it is being discarded.

Proper Disposal of Your Refrigerator/Freezer
WARNING Risk of child entrapment. Child entrapment and suffocation are not problems of the past. Junked or abandoned refrigerators or freezers are still dangerous – even if they will sit for “just a few days.” If you are getting rid of your old refrigerator or freezer, please follow the instructions below to help prevent accidents

BEFORE YOU THROWAWAY YOUR OLD REFRIGERATOR/FREEZER:

• Remove doors.
• Leave shelves in place so children may not easily climb inside.

ELECTRICAL INFORMATION

These guidelines must be followed to ensure that safety mechanisms in the design of this freezer will operate properly.

• Refer to the serial plate for correct electrical rating. The power cord of the appliance is equipped with a three-prong grounding plug for your protection against shock hazards. It must be plugged directly into a properly grounded three-prong receptacle, protected with a 15 amp time delay fuse or circuit breaker. The receptacle must be installed in accordance with local codes and ordinances. Consult a qualified electrician.
• Receptacles protected by Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFIC) are NOT RECOMMENDED. Do not use an extension cord or adapter plug.
• If voltage varies by 10% or more, freezer performance may be affected. Operating freezer with insufficient power can damage the motor. Such damage is not covered under the warranty. If you suspect your house hold voltage is high or low, consult your power company for testing.
• To prevent the freezer from being turned off accidentally, do not plug unit into an outlet controlled by a wall switch or pull cord.
• Do not pinch, knot, or bend the cord in any manner.

OTHER PRECAUTIONS

• Never unplug the freezer by pulling on the cord. Always grip the plug firmly, and pull straight out from the receptacle.
  NOTE: Turning the temperature control to OFF turns off the compressor, but does not disconnect the power to the light bulb or other electrical components

WARNING Avoid fire hazard or electric shock. Do not use an extension cord or an adapter plug. Do not remove any prong from the power cord.

FREEZER WARRANTY

• FULL ONE-YEAR WARRANTY ON FREEZER
  For one year from the date of purchase, when this freezer is operated and maintained according to the instructions provided in this Owner’s Guide, Sears will repair this freezer, free of charge, if defective in material or workmanship.

• FULL FIVE-YEAR WARRANTY ON SEALED REFRIGERATION SYSTEM
  For five years from the date of purchase, when this freezer is operated and maintained according to the instructions provided in this Owner’s Guide, Sears will repair the sealed system (consisting of refrigerant, connecting tube, and compressor), free of charge, if defective in material or workmanship.

• The above freezer warranty applies only to freezers which are used for storage of food for private household purposes.

FOOD LOSS COVERAGE LIMITATION
If promptly reported to your nearest Sears store or Service Center, Sears will reimburse you up to a total of $100.00 for the value of food, as verified by Sears, lost while stored in the freezer when used for private household purposes as a result of:

1. Defects that occur during the first year following the date of purchase.
2. Failure of the sealed refrigeration system (including refrigerant, connecting tubing, and compressor), due to defects that occur during the second through fifth year after purchase. If freezer is used for other than private household purposes, Sears will not be responsible for any food loss. Food losses resulting from other than the above stated defects, such as natural spoilage, power interruption, inadequate power, manual disconnect of power supply, fire damage, water damage, theft, etc., are beyond our control and are not covered by Sears. Some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.

Warranty service is available by contacting the NEAREST SEARS SERVICE CENTER/DEPARTMENT in the United

• States. See the back page of this manual.
• Sears, Roebuck and Co.
• Dept 817WA
• Hoffman Estates, IL 60179

CANADA – LIMITED WARRANTY

Freezers
Sears Canada Inc., warrants every new Kenmore freezer to be free from defects in material or workmanship. What Sears will do, free of charge, in case of defect:

Normal Responsibility of the Customer
The following items, since they are not manufacturing defects, are not included in the warranty, but are the responsibility of the customer:

1. Damage to finish after delivery.
2. Improper power supply, low voltage, or any defects in the house wiring system or appliance not connected to electric outlet.
3. Replacement of light bulbs.
4. Damage caused by moving the product from its original installation.
5. Service required as a result of alteration, abuse, fire, floods, or acts of God.
6. Providing adequate air circulation to the refrigerating system.
7. Proper use and care of product as listed in the customer’s manual; proper setting of the controls.

• If any service is required under this warranty, simply call 1-800-4-MY-HOME8M (1-800-469-4663).
• This warranty is in addition to any statutory warranty. The above warranty covers Kenmore Freezers sold and operated in
• Canada only and shall not apply if the freezer is used for other than domestic purposes.
• Sears Maintenance Agreement
• Maintain the value of your Kenmore freezer with a Sears Maintenance Agreement.
• SEARS CANADA INC.
• Toronto, Canada
• M5B 2B8

FIRST STEPS

This Owner’s Guide provides specific operating instructions for your model. Use the freezer only as instructed in this Owner’s Guide. Before starting the freezer, follow these important first steps.

INSTALLATION

• Choose a place that is near a grounded electrical outlet. Do Not use an extension cord or an adapter plug.

• For the most efficient operation, the freezer should be located where surrounding temperatures will not exceed 110°F (43°C). Temperatures of 32°F (0°C) and below will NOT affect freezer operation. Additional compressor heaters are not recommended.

• Allow space around the unit for good air circulation. Leave a 3 inch (75 mm) space on all sides of the freezer for adequate circulation.

• NOTE: The exterior walls of the freezer may become quite warm as the compressor works to transfer heat from the inside. Temperatures as much as 30° F warmer than room temperature can be expected. For this reason it is particularly important in hotter climates to allow enough space for air circulation around your freezer.

• LEVELING
  The freezer must have all bottom corners resting firmly on a solid floor. The floor must be strong enough to support a fully loaded freezer.
  NOTE: It is Very Important for your freezer to be level in order to function properly. If the freezer is not leveled during installation, the door may be misaligned and not close or seal properly, causing cooling, frost, or moisture problems.

• To Level Upright Models:
  After discarding crating screws and wood base, use a carpenter’s level to level the freezer from front-to-back. Adjust the plastic leveling feet in front, ½ bubble higher, so that the door closes easily when left halfway open

To Level Chest Models:
If needed, add metal or wood shims between foot pads and  floor.
CLEANING

• Wash any removable parts, the freezer interior, and exterior with mild detergent and warm water. Wipe dry.
• Do not use harsh cleaners on these surfaces.
• Do not use razor blades or other sharp instruments, which can scratch the appliance surface when removing adhesive labels. Any glue left from the tape can be removed with a mixture of warm water and mild detergent, or touch the residue with the sticky side of tape already removed. Do not remove the serial plate.

DOOR REMOVAL (UPRIGHT MODELS)
If door must be removed to fit through narrow doorways:

1. Gently lay freezer on its back, on a throw rug or blanket.
2. Remove the base panel by unscrewing two screws from front of base panel. Remove wire from clips on bottom of cabinet. (Figure 1)
3. Unplug connector by holding the cabinet connector in place, and pulling door connector out. (Figure 1)
4. At the top of the cabinet, lift up plastic hinge cover, and fold back. (Figure 2)
5. Use a Phillips® screwdriver to loosen and retighten the screws on the top hinge to insure a secure assembly, and prevent hinge slippage.
6. Remove the top hinge from cabinet, and lift door off lower hinge pin.
7. After door is removed, remove the two screws from the bottom hinge.
8. To replace door, reverse above order

ENERGY SAVING TIPS

• The freezer should be located in the coolest area of the room, away from heat producing appliances or heating ducts, and out of direct sunlight.
• Let hot foods cool to room temperature before placing in the freezer. Overloading the freezer forces the compressor to run longer. Foods that freeze too slowly may lose quality or spoil.
• Be sure to wrap foods properly, and wipe containers dry before placing them in the freezer. This cuts down on frost build-up inside the freezer.
• Freezer shelves should not be lined with aluminum foil, wax paper, or paper toweling. Liners interfere with cold air circulation, making the freezer less efficient.
• Organize and label food to reduce door openings and extended searches. Remove as many items as needed at one time, and close the door as soon as possible.

SETTING THE TEMPERATURE CONTROL

COOL DOWN PERIOD

• For safe food storage, allow 4 hours for the freezer to cool down completely. The freezer will run continuously for the first several hours. Foods that are already frozen may be placed in the freezer after the first few hours of operation. Unfrozen foods should NOT be loaded into the freezer until the freezer has operated for 4 hours.
• When loading the freezer, freeze only 3 pounds of fresh food per cubic foot of freezer space at one time. Distribute packages to be frozen evenly throughout the freezer. It is not necessary to turn the control knob to a colder setting while freezing food.
• TEMPERATURE CONTROL
  The temperature control is located inside the freezer on upright models, and on the left outside wall on chest models. The temperature is factory preset to provide satisfactory food storage temperatures. However, the temperature control is adjustable to provide a range of temperatures for your personal satisfaction. If a colder temperature is desired, turn the temperature control knob toward COLDEST and allow several hours for temperatures to stabilize between adjustments

FREEZER OPTIONAL FEATURES

NOTE: Your freezer may have some, or all of the features listed below. Become familiar with these features, and their use and care.

• POWER ON LIGHT
  The yellow Power On indicator light indicates that the freezer is properly connected to electrical power. The light glows even when the temperature control is turned to OFF. If the light goes out, refer to Freezer Does Not Run Section in the Troubleshooting Guide. If the freezer appears to be operating, the light element may be burned out. Call an authorized servicer for replacement.

• TEMP ALARM (SOME MODELS)
  This feature is designed to provide a warning if the inside temperatures reach an unsafe level. The Temp. Alarm Feature operates on household electricity. It will not function if household electricity is interrupted.

• When the freezer is initially plugged in, the red Temp. Alarm Indicator Light blinks. The indicator light will continue to blink until the freezer has reached a safe freezing temperature. If a malfunction causes an unsafe temperature inside the freezer, the red light will blink and the buzzer will sound. To silence the buzzer, press the ALARM OFF button. The Indicator Light will continue to blink until a safe freezing temperature is again reached.

• If the ALARM OFF button is not pressed, the buzzer will turn itself off automatically after 48 hours, but the red Temp Alarm Light will continue to blink

HIGH-TEMP ALARM SWITCH (SOME MODELS)
An audible alarm will sound if the freezer temperature reaches unsafe levels. The alarm operates on household electricity. If the power fails, the alarm will not perform.
An ON/OFF switch allows the high temperature alarm to be deactivated if desired. NOTE: You must open the freezer door to view the alarm switch. The freezer is shipped with the switch in the OFF position. After the freezer has run long enough to lower the temperature, you may set the switch to the ON position.

• To activate the alarm, set the switch to the ON position.
• To deactivate the alarm, set the switch to the OFF position

BLUE DEFROST BUTTON (SOME CHEST MODELS)

• IMPORTANT: lt is time to defrost and clean the freezer when the blue defrost button is completely covered with frost.

• QUICK FREEZE (SOME MODELS)
  To activate the Quick Freeze feature, push the switch to the ON position. The green light will appear, and the freezer will run continuously (except when in Flash Defrost), driving freezer temperature to the coldest possible temperatures. The switch automatically turns off after 24 hours. Use this feature just prior to adding large quantities of unfrozen foods (not to exceed 3 pounds per cubic foot of freezer space).

• FLASH DEFROST (SOME MODELS)

  • NOTE: The Temp Alarm should be turned off when freezer is being defrosted. The Flash Defrost feature will defrost the freezer in a fraction of the time usually required.
  • To defrost, remove all food, and follow these steps: Pull out the Flash Defrost plunger. Leave door open while defrosting. (Closing the freezer lid/door will push in the plunger, and the Flash Defrost will be turned off.) Push the Flash Defrost plunger in to restart freezer after defrosting. Turn on the Temp Alarm after freezer has reached freezing temperatures

• SLIDE-OUT BASKET OR TRIVET (UPRIGHT MODELS)
  A Slide-Out Basket ( some models) or Trivet (some models), located at the bottom of the freezer, provides separate storage space for items that are difficult to store on freezer shelves. To remove the basket or trivet, pull out and lift up.

• JUICE CAN RACK (UPRIGHT MODELS)
  The Juice Can Rack on the freezer door is specially ridged to store juice cans and prevent them from rolling out of the shelf.

• SECURITY LOCK WITH POP-OUT KEY
  This security lock fastens the door snugly, ensuring stored food is secure. To lock or unlock the freezer, push the key into the lock and turn. The key pops out of the lock after it has  been turned.

• INTERIOR LIGHT
  The light comes on automatically when the door is opened. To replace the light bulb, turn the temperature control to OFF and unplug the electrical cord. Replace the old bulb with a bulb of the same wattage.

• TILT-OUT SHELF
  This shelf is located inside on the freezer door and provides additional storage space. To access an item, tilt top of “basket” shelf down

• DROP FRONT SHELF (UPRIGHT MODELS)
  The Drop Front Shelf, located at the bottom of the freezer, provides a separate compartment for small irregular shaped items or large, bulky items. Lift the shelf front up and out to remove.

• ADJUSTABLE INTERIOR SHELVES (UPRIGHT MODELS)
  Multi-position adjustable interior shelves can be moved to any position for larger or smaller packages. The shipping spacers that stabilize the shelves for shipping may be removed and discarded.

• SLIDE-ASIDE BASKET (SOME CHEST MODELS)
  This basket helps organize odd-shaped items. To reach other packages in the freezer, slide the basket aside, or lift out

CARE AND CLEANING

CAUTION Damp objects stick to cold metal surfaces. Do not touch interior metal surfaces with wet or damp hands.

Some upright freezers are frost-free and defrost automatically, but should be cleaned occasionally.

• BETWEEN DEFROSTINGS
  To avoid frequent defrosting, occasionally use a plastic scraper to remove frost. Scrape with a pulling motion. Never use a metal instrument to remove frost.

• DEFROSTING
  It is important to defrost and clean the freezer when ¼ to ½ inch of frost has accumulated. Frost may tend to accumulate faster on the upper part of the freezer due to warm, moist air entering the freezer when the door is opened. Remove food and leave the door open when defrosting the freezer.

• On upright models with a defrost drain (Figure 1 ), remove the drain plug on the inside floor of the freezer by pulling straight out. To access the external drain tube on models with a base panel, first remove the two screws from the base panel. Locate the drain tube near the left center under the freezer. Place a shallow pan under the drain tube. Defrost water will drain out. Check pan occasionally so water does not overflow. A½ inch garden hose adapter can be used to drain the freezer directly into a floor drain.If your model is not equipped with an adapter, one can be purchased at most hardware stores. Replace the drain plug when defrosting and cleaning are completed. If the drain is left open, warm air may enter the freezer

• On chest models with a defrost drain, place a shallow pan or the Divider/Drain Pan (some models) beneath the drain outlet (Figure 2). A½ inch garden hose adapter can be used to drain the freezer directly into a floor drain (Figure 3). Pull out the drain plug inside the freezer, and pull off the outside defrost drain plug (Figure 4 ).

• Defrost water will drain out. Check pan occasionally so water does not overflow. Replace the drain plugs when defrosting is completed.

• On models without a defrost drain, place towels or newspapers on the freezer bottom to catch the frost. The frost will loosen and fall. Remove towels and/or newspapers.

• If the frost is soft, remove it by using a plastic scraper. If the frost is glazed and hard, fill deep pans with hot water and place them on the freezer bottom. Close the freezer door. Frost should soften in about 15 minutes. Repeat this procedure if necessary

• CLEANING THE INSIDE
  After defrosting, wash inside surfaces of the freezer with a solution of two tablespoons of baking soda in one quart (1.136 litres) warm water. Rinse and dry. Wring excess water out of the sponge or cloth when cleaning in the area of the controls, or any electrical parts. Wash the removable parts and door basket with the baking soda solution mentioned above, or mild detergent and warm water. Rinse and dry. Never use metallic scouring pads, brushes, abrasive cleaners, or alkaline solutions on any surface. Do not wash removable parts in a dishwasher.

• CLEANING THE OUTSIDE
  Wash the cabinet with warm water and mild liquid detergent. Rinse well and wipe dry with a clean soft cloth. Replace parts and food

WARNING
If leaving the freezer door open while on vacation, make certain that children cannot get into the freezer and become entrapped.

VACATION AND MOVING TIPS
Short Vacations:
Leave the freezer operating during vacations of less than three weeks.

• Long Vacations:
  If the freezer will not be used for several months:

• Remove all food and unplug the power cord.

• Clean and dry the interior thoroughly.

• Leave the freezer door open slightly, blocking it open if necessary, to prevent odor and mold growth.

• Moving: When moving the freezer, follow these guidelines lo prevent damage:

• Disconnect the power cord plug from the wall outlet.

• Remove foods, then defrost, and clean the freezer.

• Secure all loose items such as base panel, baskets, and shelves by taping them securely in place to prevent damage.

• In the moving vehicle, secure freezer in an upright position to prevent movement. Also protect outside of freezer with a blanket, or similar item

POWER FAILURE/ FREEZER FAILURE

• NOTE: Do not open freezer door unnecessarily if freezer is off for several hours.
• If a power failure occurs, frozen foods will stay frozen for at least 24 hours if the freezer is kept closed. If the power failure continues, pack seven or eight pounds of dry ice into the freezer every 24 hours. Look in the Yellow Pages under
• Dry Ice, Dairies, or Ice Cream Manufacturers for local dry ice suppliers. Always wear gloves and use caution when handling dry ice.
• If the freezer has stopped operating, see Freezer Does Not Run in the Troubleshooting Guide. If you cannot solve the problem, call an authorized servicer immediately. If the freezer remains off for several hours, follow the directions above for the use of dry ice during a power failure. If necessary, take the food to a local locker plant until the freezer is ready to operate. Look in the Yellow Pages under Frozen Food Locker Plants.

TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

Before calling for service, review this list. It may save you time and expense. This list includes common occurrences that are not the result of defective workmanship or materials in this appliance.

SEARS SERVICE
“We Service What We Sell” is our assurance you can depend on Sears for service … and Sears service is nationwide. Your freezer has added value when you consider that Sears has service units nationwide, staffed with professional technicians specifically trained on Sears appliances and having parts, tools and equipment to ensure that we meet our pledge to you … “We Service What We Sell.”

SEARS MAINTENANCE AGREEMENT

• Maintain the value of your Kenmore(f!) freezer with a Sears Maintenance Agreement. Sears freezers are designed, manufactured, and tested for years of dependable operation.
• Yet, any modern appliance may require service from time to time.
  • The Sears Maintenance Agreement
  • Is your way to buy tomorrow’s service at today’s price.
  • Eliminates repair bills resulting from normal use.
  • Allows for as many service calls as required.
  • Provides for service by professional Sears-trained technicians.
  • Offers an annual preventive maintenance check-up at your request.
• This maintenance agreement does not cover original installation, reinstallation, or damage resulting from external causes such as acts of God, abuse, theft, fire, flood, wind, lightning, freezing, power failure, power reduction, etc. Please ask a salesperson to see the agreement for all of the terms and conditions.

SEARS CANADA CUSTOMERS

• Dear Customer:
  In manufacturing this product, many steps have been taken to provide you with the highest quality. Unfortunately, errors or omissions occasionaly occur. In the event you find a missing or defective part, please contact your nearest Sears store. (See the back cover for phone numbers.) If you have any suggestions that would help us to improve our assembly/operation instructions or this product, please write them down, including the information listed below and mail to:

  • Sears Canada, Inc. Attn: Buyer Dept. 646
  • 222 Jarvis Street
  • Toronto, Ontario
  • M5B2B8

Purchased by :

• Name:. __ _
• Address:. __ _
• City: ____
• Prov.: __ _
• Postal Code: ___
• Phone ·. _ ____
• Model No.: -970-. ——
• SeriaI No.: ____ _
• Date of Purchase//_
• Location of Purchase · —————
• Comments.: __ _

References

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